Watch Cover Girl

In 1944, the movie Cover Girl was released with a star-studded cast, including Rita Hayworth, Gene Kelly, and Lee Bowman. The movie tells the story of Rusty Parker (played by Hayworth), a talented dancer who works at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York. She dreams of becoming a famous Broadway star, but her opportunities seem limited until she's discovered by John Coudair (played by Otto Kruger), a rich magazine publisher who recognizes her potential.

John invites Rusty to participate in a cover girl contest for his magazine, Modern Screen. She initially refuses, fearing that it could jeopardize her relationship with her longtime boyfriend and fellow dancer, Danny McGuire (played by Kelly). However, Danny kindly urges her to take the chance and supports her throughout the competition.

As Rusty becomes more involved with the contest, she finds herself caught up in a world of glamour, fame, and romance. She's soon courted by wealthy businessman and former model Noel Wheaton (played by Bowman), who offers to help launch her career. Despite her growing success, Rusty remains torn between her love for Danny and her desire to pursue her dreams.

The movie Cover Girl is notable for its extravagant dance sequences and colorful musical numbers, all of which showcase the incredible talents of its cast. One standout scene features Kelly performing a solo dance routine with a newspaper boy on the streets of New York. Another memorable moment is the "Alter Ego" number, in which Hayworth performs a split-screen duet with herself.

Along with its stunning visuals, Cover Girl also offers an interesting take on the conflict between personal relationships and professional ambition. Rusty's dilemma is relatable and poignant, and Hayworth brings both vulnerability and strength to her portrayal of the character. Meanwhile, Kelly's chemistry with Hayworth is palpable, and his performance as the supportive and understanding Danny is charming and heartfelt.

Aside from its talented cast, Cover Girl also boasts some impressive behind-the-scenes talent. The movie was directed by Charles Vidor, who had previously worked with Hayworth on the film Gilda. The screenplay, meanwhile, was written by Virginia Van Upp, who was one of the few female producers in Hollywood at the time.

Overall, Cover Girl is a classic Hollywood musical that offers both dazzling entertainment and emotional depth. Its cast and crew created a movie that still holds up to this day, and it continues to enchant audiences with its catchy songs, intricate choreography, and heartwarming story.

Cover Girl is a 1944 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.